The HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, Western Australia, is one of the most beautiful and moving memorials I have ever visited.

It is one of those places where, despite the tourists walking around and taking pictures, there is an eerie and respectful silence all throughout the memorial grounds. It is a somber and sobering site to visit, as it tells the story of 645 men who lost their lives in battle not far off the coast of Western Australia, during World War 2.

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The History of HMAS Sydney II

The HMAS Sydney was built in Newcatle-on-Tyne, with the Keel being laid down in 1933, names HMS Phaeton. She was one of three light cruisers of the British Modified Leander class, and was subsequently purchased by the Commonwealth of Australia, and renamed HMAS Sydney. Launched on 22 September 1934, she taken over from the builders on 24 September 1935.

Sent to the Mediterranean after the outbreak of world War 2, her first action was the bombardment of Bardia, Libya on 21 June 1940. On 27 June 1940, she was sent to sea with a cruiser squadron to provide convoy cover, and on 28 June 1940 sank the Italian Destroyer Espero.

HMAS Sydney came under fire again on 9 July 1940, but truly rose to fame on 19 July 1940. In a tactical battle, HMAS sydney engaged with, and disabled the much faster Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni, and then set off in pursuit of the Giovanni Delle Bande Nere. She was force to give up the chase as the ship was too fast and was out of range, with HMAS Sydney almost out of ammunition.

HMAS Sydney returned to Australia, where she participated in convoy escort duties in Western Australia, visiting Geraldton on three separate occasions.

On 19 november 1941, HMAS Sydney was returning from the Sunda Straits after escorting the Hired transport Zealandia to a handover with HMS Durban. That evening she encountered the German Raider, HSK Kormoran and became involved in a battle which would result in the loss of both ships.

The HMAS Sydney disappeared without any trace of her, or the 645 crew on board. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is dedicate to the memory of these men, and to the sacrifice they and their families made to ensure the security of Australia.

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The Memorial

The centerpiece of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial is the Sanctuary, a dome of 645 stainless steel Gulls, inspired by a flock of silver gulls which flew over the gathered crowd during the Site Dedication Ceremony on 19 November 1998, representing those lost, and sitting atop 7 white pillars.

Beneath the dome is the propeller of the HMAS Sydney II, and enclosing the area on both sides is are two walls of remembrance, with he history of HAMS Sydney II, and the names of every member of the crew who were lost engraved in WA Black Granite.








To the front of the memorial, and overlooking the town, is The Stele. Symbolizing standing stones as grave markers, the Stele is also an expression of the row of the HMAS Sydney II, and is visible from almost every area in the town. At the edge of the precinct is a statue called "The Waiting Women" frozen in time, leaning into the wind, waiting and grieving to loss of the men who didn't come home.

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The HMAS Sydney II was found on 16 March 2008, at 11:03 (WDST), 2480 meters deep, and 112 nautical miles (207Km) west of Steep Point, WA. She lies as 26°12'45"S, 111°04'21"E, where the Souls of the men of HMAS Sydney II were commemorated with a ceremony over their final resting place.

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I love to visit places like these, and I stand in awe of the men and women who gave so much for their countries all around the world. It was a truly humbling experience to walk through this memorial, and read the names of those men who gave their lives, and to be able to visit such a beautifully thought out, and lovingly maintained memorial to them.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I truly hope the world doesn't descend again into the depths it has found itself before.

LEST WE FORGET

Note: All photos are original, and taken by me.